North Texas defeats South Alabama 57-58
North Texas Edges South Alabama in Thrilling Upset
The Mitchell Center was the stage for a drama-filled non-conference matchup between North Texas and South Alabama, with the Mean Green emerging victorious 58-57.
In a back-and-forth contest, both teams struggled to separate themselves, but ultimately, it was North Texas that came out on top. The Mean Green's victory marks an impressive upset, as they were listed as a sizable underdog heading into the matchup.
At the midpoint of the game, South Alabama held a slim 26-30 lead, but North Texas responded by taking control and holding onto the lead for most of the second half. The final margin was just one point, showcasing the intense physicality and competitiveness on display throughout the contest.
Chaze Harris led the charge for South Alabama, posting 20 points (42.9% FG) and 7 rebounds to complement his impressive all-around performance. His efforts were not enough, however, as the Jaguars came up short in their home opener.
On the other side of the court, Je'Shawn Stevenson spearheaded North Texas' effort, scoring 22 points on just 4-21 three-point shooting (28.0% FG). While his three-point struggles were notable, he made the most of his opportunities and provided a spark for his team in the crucial final minutes.
The game was marked by several key differentiating statistics between the two teams. North Texas shot an impressive 62.5% from two-point range (10/16), while South Alabama struggled with three-point shooting (18.0% FG, 2/11). Conversely, North Texas's opponents were limited to just 22.0% three-point shooting (9/40).
In terms of advanced statistics, both teams had respectable performances in key categories. North Texas posted an effective field goal percentage of 42.0%, while South Alabama maintained a strong free throw rate of 44.9%. However, the Mean Green's rebounding edge proved decisive, as they outrebounded their hosts by one.
With this win, North Texas moves to [insert record], while South Alabama falls to [insert record]. The Mean Green will look to build on this momentum in the coming weeks, while the Jaguars aim to bounce back from a tough loss at home.